Hello, my name is Shannon Martinez. I am Pako Martinez’s daughter-in-law. Shortly after his birthday and Christmas 2024, Pako had to be hospitalized and doctors discovered an 11cm mass in his liver. We are just at the start of this journey and unfortunately don’t have many answers. We are likely looking at a cancer diagnosis. Liver cancer is often aggressive and requires a more targeted treatment as chemo doesn’t seem to do enough to help. This means that his treatments could be any combination of chemotherapy, radiation, surgery to remove parts of his liver, or even a liver transplant.

If you don’t already know him, Pako is the salt of this earth. He has poured so much of himself into so many people working in the restaurant industry over the last 25 years. He’s always putting others before himself and going above & beyond for those in need. He’s an amazing father figure to more than just his own children. He’s my 5-year-old’s best friend and she adores him. It would take me two lifetimes to repay him for all of the love, support, & stability he has sent my way.

Some of you may already know him and have felt his love at some point in your lives. Whether or not you’ve been lucky enough to experience his selflessness or be influenced by him in some way, please consider donating and/or sharing this campaign so it can reach as many people as possible in hopes to provide some of that same support & stability he has provided to his family, friends, and coworkers over the years.